Steps for connecting, installing and commissioning

The 6 steps of new solar connections

1. Customer service

Like you, we want all rooftop solar customers to have the best experience possible. Transparent communication and a good relationship between solar retailers, solar installers and customers means everyone wins. After finishing an installation, you should show the customer:

• how to check their solar installation is operating properly
• how to check how much energy they’re producing, using and exporting to the grid
• how to reconnect their solar system to the internet if it loses connectivity
• who to contact when things aren’t working: the installer, the inverter manufacturer and AusNet.

Download our solar customer fact sheet (PDF, 309KB).

2. Request pre-approval

Before starting the installation, you must complete the pre-approval application through EnergyConnect.

It is the solar retailer’s responsibility to seek approval from us before advising a customer on what they can install or installing a system.

We need to check the network in the location to ensure you can safely connect solar and batteries, and feed energy into the grid. In some cases, the customer might not be able to export everything they plan to. It depends on the strength of the grid in the area, the size of the system and what everyone else is already doing.

There are different paths to pre-approval, depending on the size of the system the customer wants to install. Houses and small businesses usually need connections of up to 30kW. Commercial and industrial systems need connections between 30kW and 1.5MW.

3. Install the system

Once you have approval from us, you need to install the system within the allowable timeframe of the pre-approval (generally this is 65 business days from offer acceptance). Extensions may be available on negotiation with AusNet, before your pre-approval expires. If your application expires, you’ll need to submit another pre-approval application. 

The installed system must meet technical specifications as outlined in your connection offer. For information about how to correctly install the system, please refer to the manufacturer’s installation guide.

How can I make sure that a CSIP-Aus installation is solar emergency backstop compliant?

You must install an AusNet-approved Common Smart Inverter Profile Australia (CSIP-Aus) inverter. See our list of approved inverters.

If the internet isn’t available onsite, you’ll need to apply for a solar backstop exemption, which limits exports to 1kW. When an internet connection becomes available, you’ll need to apply for a new pre-approval and connect your solar system to maximise exports.

For information on configuring an inverter, visit Smart inverter settings.

4. Getting connected

Download our Solar emergency backstop commissioning checklist (PDF, 155KB).

If you need help, call our installer support desk on 1300 360 795. We’re available on weekdays from 8am to 5pm.

See our steps below on how to get connected, commission the device and get post-installation approval:

5. Notify the retailer

Before we allow your customer to generate their own energy, you need to finalise the paperwork. You must send these forms to your customers' energy retailer: 

• Electrical works request (EWR) form, available from the Victorian Service and Installation website.
• Certificate of electrical safety (CES), which your electrical inspector will purchase from Energy Safe Victoria.
• Our post-installation form, to confirm your installation.

When we receive the work order from the customer’s electricity retailer, we’ll reconfigure your customer's meter. The system must remain switched off until this is complete.

We'll contact you if there are any issues with your paperwork.  

6. You’re connected

Information to give customers

Once a new solar system is successfully installed, commissioned and completed, it becomes the customer’s responsibility to maintain connectivity and compliance. Make sure you explain to the customer how to monitor their connection, consumption, generation and export.

Give your customer troubleshooting instructions so they can fix basic issues themselves.

• Show the customer how to:

• reconnect the inverter to their internet if it loses connectivity
• update their Wi-Fi password so their solar system remains connected to the internet (an ethernet connection should remove this issue).

• Give your customer appropriate user guides for future reference.
• Give your customer contact details for their solar retailer, inverter manufacturer, and AusNet. You may need to explain when to contact each party in case they have any questions after installation. We may contact the customer if their system becomes non-compliant, if we need to test their device, or during an emergency backstop event.